The fastest quad-core introduced today is the Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition. It comes with Clock Multiplier Control (an unlocked multiplier, compare the FX series), and is aimed at gamers and users of multi-threading applications.

Another special is the Phenom X4 9100e, an energy efficient quad-core processor with a TDP of 65 Watt, aimed at digital media enthusiasts. AMD calls this CPU a cool and quiet digital media workhorse.

The new triple-core processors are partly disfunctional quad-core parts that should otherwise have been sold as dual-core products. Paired with the 780 series chipset, these CPUs are positioned to be part of multi-media desktops. The 780G chipset adds DirectX 10 functionality.

Power Management Features

The new Phenom processors support HyperTransport 3.0 interconnects and Cool'n'Quiet 2.0 technology. Other power management features include:

CoolCore: dynamically activating or turning off parts of the processor as needed,